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Elucidating genetic divergence of silkworm (Bombyx mori) using internal transcribed Spacer1 (ITS1)

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Abstract

The silkworm Bombyx mori is one of the prominent molecular model system, being continuously evaluated through genetic approaches, since decades to better the best in silk production. DNA profiles provide reliable estimates of genetic diversity within and between genotypes. This is important both for the maintenance of genotypes as well as selection of parents for the development of elite hybrids. To ascertain genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship among 23 bivoltine silkworm strains, DNA barcoding of ITS1 region and Mahalanobis D2 analysis was carried out. Neighbour-joining analysis grouped 23 strains into five clusters based on sequence variation of ITS1 region. Based on seven quantitative traits, the D2 values were obtained and the selected strains were grouped into three clusters using Tocher’s method. Cocoon yield by number (44.27%) and shell ratio (41.5%) recorded maximum contribution towards divergence. The clustering pattern revealed agreement for divergence as SKUAST-1 and SKUAST-22 formed an outgroup cluster at both molecular as well as genetic level. The current study clearly demonstrated that ITS1 sequences of B. mori were useful in studying intra specific nucleotide variations and can be used as DNA barcode for future B. mori studies. The divergent strains identified in this study could be used in future breeding programmes for quality silk production.

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Acknowledgements

Authors thank Head, Division of Cocoon Crop Improvement, College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund for providing silkworm Germplasm. The authors also extend gratitude to Head, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST- K, Shalimar for providing lab facilities to conduct this work. The author wishes to extend her sincere thanks to Associate Dean, College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund.

Funding

SERB, DST Govt. of India Grant No EMR/2016/005598 for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transcriptomics Laboratory (K-Lab), Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, 190025, India

    Asma S. Hakak, Mudasir A. Mir, Firdos A. Nehvi, Nazeer Ahmed, Sheikh Mansoor & Khalid Z. Masoodi

  2. College of Temperate Sericulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Mirgund, Baramulla, J&K, 193121, India

    Asma S. Hakak, Malik Farooq & Zafar I. Buhroo

  3. Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, 190025, India

    Gowhar Ali

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  1. Asma S. Hakak
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  2. Malik Farooq
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  3. Zafar I. Buhroo
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  4. Mudasir A. Mir
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Correspondence to Khalid Z. Masoodi.

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Hakak, A.S., Farooq, M., Buhroo, Z.I. et al. Elucidating genetic divergence of silkworm (Bombyx mori) using internal transcribed Spacer1 (ITS1). Int J Trop Insect Sci 41, 1653–1665 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-020-00366-7

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